Internship External Affairs
Washington, DC
2025 Internship External Affairs
If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our Internship Program is an opportunity for you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be part of our team to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto, we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal - to create a better tomorrow.
This internship is an in-person opportunity, with flexibility for some hybrid, working out of our Washington, DC office.
About the role
We are offering a 3-month summer internship in the Rio Tinto External Affairs team based in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to experience the dynamic working relationship between the External Affairs, Legal and Communications teams in a pioneering global resource company. The role will involve collaborating with other Rio Tinto teams and external stakeholders to assist with geopolitical research initiatives, with a special focus on US tariffs and trade. This opportunity is from May-August 2025.
- Research and writing for Rio Tinto publications and internal documents
- Monitor and provide concise updates on active political priorities, trade, USMCA negotiations & more
- Provide briefing notes on energy & other emerging policies and their potential economic impacts
- Support tasks and production of high-quality materials
- Other duties may include support functions including administrative work
What you’ll bring
- At least three years completed in a Bachelor or currently a Masters student in public policy, public affairs, economics or business administration, or related field, with preference for candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree*
- Strong written, oral, and analytical skills
- Positive mindset and keen to learn about the resource sector
- Interest in the energy sector, international economics and trade would be a strong asset
- Flexibility, Autonomy, & Self-Starter
- An organized and versatile team player with the ability to work under pressure and multitask
- Proficiency in all basic computing programs, including Microsoft Suite, especially PowerPoint & Excel
* To be eligible for this internship, you must have the right to work in USA.
What we offer
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- A competitive salary
- Ambitious, exciting, and rewarding experience
- Opportunity to build relationships with the Rio Tinto team and community
- A great chance to prepare yourself to join our Graduate Development Program
Where you will be working
This team is located in Washington, DC. They shape and monitor domestic and international politics and policy with particular focus on Canada, United States and Latin America. They collaborate with the legal and communications team to provide expert counsel and strategic advice across all commodities and Rio Tinto product groups as they navigate working in diverse local, national and international jurisdictions. The team influences aspects of external stakeholder engagement, communications initiatives, brand strategy and positioning, and media relations.
Next steps…
There’s no better time to lead this change than the leaders of the future and that starts with a graduate or vacation role at Rio Tinto. Apply today.
Please note, in order to be considered for this role, you must complete all pre-screening questions.
*Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings as there is enough applicants, therefore, if you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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